Honda showing CR-Z hybrid sports concept

[awd4life]

By Rory Jurnecka
Honda has announced two new concepts will be shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show later this month, the CR-Z and the PUYO. Quite different in both execution and purpose, both are based on a design philosophy that emphasizes Honda's eco-friendly attitude.

The CR-Z's reference to the Honda CR-X compact sports coupe of years gone by is an obvious one. Standing for Compact Renaissance Zero, the CR-Z is designed as a lightweight, hybrid sports car. Honda says the CR-Z focuses on a return to fundamentals, while offering a sporting feel and a small environmental footprint. We feel that the existing powertrain in the Civic Hybrid could find a good home in the engine bay of the CR-Z -- much as the original CRX made use of the Civic's engine.

The CR-Z features a large front grille giving it a rather bold, aggressive look that keeps with the nature of the car. A steeply raked windscreen and profile furthers the CR-Z's sporting image, while the broad, high rear fenders also give an impression of purpose and power. Large, 19-inch wheels fill out the wheelwells nicely and the CR-Z's overall stance is low and somewhat menacing.

Inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and heavily bolstered seats again pay heed to performance-oriented driving, while the large glass sections including a vast moonroof give the cockpit an airy, spacious feel. Ultra-modern also seems to be a theme here, with an iridescent blue gauge cluster and center console trim. It has yet to be announced if the CR-Z is a mere design exercise or something to be taken more seriously, but we've been hearing rumors of the CRX's rebirth for some time and this concept could easily be viewed as a true homage to that car.

Source: Honda showing CR-Z hybrid sports concept, bizarre, touchable PUYO, new Fit at Tokyo - Auto News - Motor Trend

['vette dude]

Anyone else see it?